LifeCare launches Winter Warmer appeal

On November 1, we officially launched our Winter Warmer appeal at an evening reception held at the LifeCare Hub.

The event brought together representatives from the local community and beyond, including local businesses, older peoples organisations, politicians and corporate funders and sponsors. The launch was an opportunity to find out more the winter long campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of the issues affecting older people throughout the winter months, and funds to support LifeCare’s vital work to support them.

Attendees enjoyed refreshments kindly donated by Soderberg, and heard from LifeCare Chief Executive, Sarah Van Putten, before the campaign was officially ‘opened’ by MSP for Lothian and convener of the Cross-Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing, Jeremy Balfour. Long standing LifeCare volunteer, Ian McRae, also spoke passionately about his role within one of LifeCare’s day clubs, St Bernard’s, which supports clients who are living with dementia.

Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “We are extremely worried about local older people this winter, with continued high prices for food and fuel, it will be devastating for many. On top of the ‘heat or eat’ dilemma they are also at risk of serious social isolation. It’s times like these which highlight the critical need for services such as ours.  

LifeCare has a long history of supporting and empowering older people to live life to the full, but as a charity we rely on donations to enable us to deliver our vital support and care.  Thanks to our services, we ensure that each older person receives the support they need.  We make sure they are warm in their homes, they eat well, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely.  Our regular, reliable and non-rushed support is delivered by the same friendly faces, so friendships are formed and care is consistent.   And we know it works; in our recent survey over 91% of day club clients felt more social connected and 85% felt their health and wellbeing had improved.  

 It’s frustrating because we know we can deliver the care that people want and need, but we are facing increased costs too. We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift through our Winter Warmer appeal.  Donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café to pledge their support.  Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need to ensure they continue to thrive at home.”  

Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian said, “I am delighted to be supporting LifeCare’s Winter Warmer campaign. Winter can be a difficult time of year for people of all ages, however it is an especially tough period for older people and the work that LifeCare does to support them over the winter months is life changing. I would commend anyone who is able to support their work in any way that they are able.” 

All money raised through Winter Warmer will go directly towards supporting older people in the city.  You can find out more about the appeal and how you can share a little warmth with an older person this winter, here.